Advance in Geogrid Reinforced Slopes in Malaysia

Abstract

Geogrid product was formally introduced into and developed in Malaysia after Pilecon Holdings Sdn Bhd signed a distributorship agreement with Netlon Ltd (now Tensar International Ltd) United Kingdom in 1985. Prior to that Star Art Sdn Bhd was the distributor of Netlon product in Malaysia. Ooi &Tee (2004) examines the various case histories of slope repair and the role of geosynthetic reinforcement used in slope reconstruction and their performances for the last twenty years since the introduction of geogrids to Malaysia. Slope failure is not uncommon in many parts of Malaysia. Asahari (2009) reported more than 100 landslide incidences a year in Malaysia at a seminar on safe hill-site development in Kuala Lumpur. The frequency of occurrence of slope failure increases during the monsoon seasons where incessant rain extended over long period of time caused the slope to fail despite the fact that it may be stable for a long time. The infiltration of rainwater causes the reduction of soil suction, rise in water table and reduction of the shear strength of soil. In the case of uncompacted fill slope massive failures have occurred and lives and properties were lost. The Landmark case Highland Towers Condominium collapse in December 1993 and the high profile December 2008 Bukit Antarabangsa massive landslide are the worst landslides that have happened in Malaysia. The Public Works Department set up Slope Engineering Branch in 2004 to specifically manage and control the landslide problems faced by Malaysia. Many natural slopes are in fact in limiting equilibrium. Cutting in slope reduces the stability of slope and yet it is a common practice. Of course surface water is an important factor in causing instability of slope. Surface runoff must be taken away from the slope as quickly as possible in order to ensure the safety of slope. ...